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What are the differences between prairie easements and grassland easements?
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If I am buying land under a contract for deed, should the seller also sign the easement?
Why protect and restore grasslands?
Grasslands provide a variety of benefits for all living beings. They control erosion and supply forage for livestock; trap rain and snow to recharge water tables; prevent excessive agricultural; chemicals from degrading surface and ground water; and provide essential habitat for a variety of wildlife species ... habitat is rapidly disappearing. Protecting uplands helps ensure a safe water supply for all forms of life.
Tallgrass prairie once covered more than 25 million acres of Minnesota and Iowa. The original Tallgrass prairie is mostly gone now, with only 1/10th of 1 percent remaining. These are places where species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world hold on to existence, and places where men, women, and families understand hardship, challenges, and triumphs of the native and immigrant people that came before them.
What are grasslands and prairie easements?
Prairie and grassland easements were designed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as mentary programs to help protect native prairie and grassland resources. Through prairie and grassland easements, the Service purchase certain property rights. As a result, grazing, haying, mowing and grass-seed harvest are restricted. Some of these agricultural practices, depending upon the condition of the land and the desire of landowners, are included in certain easements.
What are the differences between prairie easements and grassland easements?
Prairie Easement
If your land is covered by native prairie that has never been plowed, you are eligible for a prairie easement.
Grassland Easement
If your land contains wetlands and you want to maintain or restore grassland cover, you are eligible for a grassland easement.
How long does the easement last?
This is a permanent (perpetual) agreement between the Service and all present and future landowners.
Are there different types of easement options?
Yes. But with each use that is retained, payment is decreased. Four options for both the prairie and grassland easements:
No use.
With this easement option the rights to graze, hay, crop, ditch, and harvest seed are purchased by the federal Government.Haying Only
With this easement option rights to graze, crop, and ditch are purchased by the federal Government. The right to hay and harvest seed is retained by the landowner but only after July 15 of each year (to protect ground-nesting wildlife). The Service's easement manager reserves the right to say when and where this easement option is used.Grazing Only
With this easement option rights to hay, crop, ditch, and harvest seed are purchased by the federal Government. The right to graze is retained by the landowner and no grazing restrictions are placed on the land. The Service's easement manager reserves the right to say when and where this easement option is used.Both Grazing and Haying
With this easement option rights to crop and ditch are purchased by the federal Government. The right to graze, hay, and harvest seed are retained by the landowner. There are no restrictions on grazing, but haying and grass seed harvest may not take place until after July 15 of each year (to protect ground-nesting wildlife). The Service's easement manager reserves the right to say when and where this easement option is used.
Will hunting and trapping rights on my land be affected?
No. You maintain the right to open or close your land to hunting and trapping.
Will my mineral rights be affected?
Under certain situations mineral rights may be affected. Please consult your local easement manager to avoid easement violation situations.
Who controls noxious weeds and pests?
As landowner, you are responsible for noxious weed and pest control. Mowing before July 15 to control weeds is prohibited without prior written approval by the Service.
What happens after the easement is accepted?
A letter, sent by certified mail, will inform you that the easement has been accepted and is being recorded at the county courthouse. A copy of the easement will bee included in the letter sent to you.
When will I be paid?
Payment is usually made within 9-to-12 months after the easement has been signed.
What is the method of payment?
A single lump-sum payment, in the form of a check from the U.S. Treasury for the amount specified in the easement, will be sent to the landowner.
If I am buying land under a contract for deed, should the seller also sign the easement?
Yes. Both you and the contract seller, who legally holds the title, must sign.
Do I have to report the easement payment to the Internal revenue Service?
Yes. The payment should be reported on your Federal income tax return, but may not be taxable. Consult your attorney or tax accountant for further guidance.
Prairie and grassland easements DO NOT:
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remove the land from your local tax base, or
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open the land to public use (hunting, fishing, bird watching, etc.)
